French Phrase
C'est un peu trop cher.
Meaning
Literally, 'It is a little too expensive.' The speaker is indicating that the price is higher than they are comfortable with, but the excess is not extreme—just enough to cause hesitation.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are looking at the price of a product, a meal, a ticket, or any service and want to politely express that it exceeds your budget or expectations. It works well in casual shopping, restaurant, or travel contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estunpeutropcher.
C'est
Contraction of 'cela est', used to state a fact about something; always followed by a noun, adjective, or phrase.
un peu
Means 'a little' or 'somewhat', used to soften an adjective or adverb.
trop
Means 'too' or 'excessively'; placed directly before the adjective it modifies.
cher
Adjective meaning 'expensive'; agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes.
🗨In Conversation
Ce sac coûte 120 euros.
This bag costs 120 euros.
C'est un peu trop cher.
It's a little too expensive.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est trop un peu cher.
The order of 'trop' and 'un peu' is reversed; 'trop' must directly modify the adjective.
C'est un trop cher.
'Un' cannot modify 'trop' here; the correct structure is 'un peu trop'.
C'est un peu trop cher ?
Adding a question mark changes the tone to a question; use a period for a statement unless you intend to ask.
↔Alternatives
C'est cher.
It's expensive.
C'est un peu hors de mon budget.
It's a bit out of my budget.
C'est un peu excessif.
It's a little excessive.
Cultural Tip
In French, softening a complaint with 'un peu' shows politeness and avoids sounding overly critical. Directly saying 'C'est trop cher' can feel blunt, especially in a shop. Also remember that 'cher' can mean 'dear' when referring to people, so context is key.